What To Expect After Bariatric Surgery
We have been providing advanced bariatric weight loss and surgical care in Central Iowa for more than 30 years, performing over 2,000 bariatric weight-loss surgeries. There are many post surgery resources and suggestions to follow after surgery.
Symptoms Following Surgery
Following surgery, it is important to call the bariatric surgeon right away if experiencing any of the following symptoms:
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Swollen leg with pain behind the knee or calf
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Fever over 101° F
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Shortness of Breath
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Persistent abdominal pain or worsening abdominal pain
The following situations might occur after surgery and are considered common:
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Blood in Stool
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Bloody Wound Discharge
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Nausea
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Discomfort
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Ulcers
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Pouch outlet stenosis
Dietary Complications
Your diet becomes one of the most important parts of your day following bariatric surgery. If you become sick and do not feel like eating, keep your fluids going and let your stomach rest. The following dietary symptoms are common following surgery:
Nausea and Vomiting
Dehydration
Dumping Syndrome
Food Intolerances
Overeating
Weight Gain Following Surgery
If you begin to progressively regain weight, you need to see the doctor. There may be mechanical causes such as the pouch stretching, the outlet from the pouch enlarging, or disruption of the staple-line separating the old and new stomach. There also may be behavioral causes such as grazing (frequent snacking), poor food choices, or inadequate exercise.
Your surgeon will evaluate and determine the most appropriate solution. Once you have had a weight loss surgery you will always strive for a balance between the calories you ingest and the calories you expend. It is this fine tuning that allows patients with bypasses to maintain their weight.
Follow-Up Schedule
After surgery, you will follow-up with your surgeon, family health provider, and bariatric educator. Below is the schedule of follow-ups. You will note that after the first two years, an annual appointment is necessary.
Though serious problems after hospital discharge are uncommon when they do occur it is imperative that they are reported immediately to Grinnell Bariatrics.
Bariatric Follow-up Sequence
Surgical Hospital Stay
1 Week Follow up with Surgeon
1 Month Follow-up with Surgeon
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Voluntary Education/Support Follow-ups This information may be found at www.grmc.us under classes and events. (Bariatric Director, Dietician, Wellness, Social Worker) Voluntary Group Therapy Sessions Please call Surgical Associates for more information. (Social worker at Hospital x2584) Standard Gastric Bypass Vitamin Panel
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